Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider impresses with V12 but criticized for capacitive steering wheel

A review of the Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider finds the car's capacitive touch multifunction steering wheel undermines the modern driving experience, even as the V12 and chassis deliver strongly. Ferrari will offer existing owners a replacement steering wheel with physical buttons, the review said, though that will come for a hefty fee.

The reviewer noted that many minor quibbles fade away when the Manettino is set to Race: electronic assists are eased, the transmission and differential are set for sharper response, and the active exhaust valves open. Unusually, changing drive mode leaves steering weight, suspension stiffness, throttle response, and the brake-by-wire system unchanged to maintain predictable behavior.

Although the exhaust was described as a bit quieter than preferred with the roof stowed, the V12’s sound when revved was praised. The reviewer said it took time to recalibrate to the car's lofty redline, especially in manual gearbox mode, and attributed an urge to upshift about 2,000 rpm early to recent seat time in an Aston Martin Vanquish.

The review compared figures with the Vanquish, noting Aston’s twin‑turbo V12 bests the 12Cilindri on peak torque (738 lb-ft/1,000 Nm versus the Ferrari’s 500 lb-ft/678 Nm) and edges its horsepower by a few ponies, while the Vanquish has a lower redline (7,000 rpm) and a more muted tone.

Key Topics

Tech, Capacitive Steering Wheel, Manettino, Aston Martin Vanquish, Ferrari